Lead acetate, also known as lead(II) acetate or sugar of lead, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula Pb(C2H3O2)2. It is a white crystalline solid that is highly toxic and soluble in water. Lead acetate has been historically used in various applications, although its use has been significantly reduced due to its toxicity.

One of the most well-known uses of lead acetate was as a sweetening agent in wines and other alcoholic beverages, earning it the name “sugar of lead.” However, this use has been banned in many countries due to the health risks associated with lead consumption. In the laboratory, lead acetate is employed as a reagent in analytical chemistry for detecting the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas. It forms a black precipitate with hydrogen sulfide, which is a useful qualitative test.

In recent years, lead acetate has found limited use in certain industrial processes, such as the production of lead-based pigments for paints and dyes. However, its use is strictly regulated and controlled due to the health and environmental hazards associated with lead exposure.